Corrections officer accused of sexual attacks on 2 women in 1 night

25-year-old resigned amid allegations connected to September party

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A 25-year-old corrections officer with the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office has been accused of sexual attacks on two women at a September party, Undersheriff Pat Ivey announced Tuesday.

Nathan McClough, who was with JSO for three years, resigned after he was charged with two counts of sexual battery and one count of battery, Ivey said.

He was arrested Monday night and is being held on $325,000 bond. He will be in court Oct. 24.

Ivey said the victims were at a party on Sept. 1 and McClough was there.

Ivey said the first victim got drunk and went to a bedroom to sleep it off, and McClough forced sexual activity with her while she was incapacitated.

He said McClough then went to another room and attempted to force sexual activity with a second woman, but she was able to fight him off.

"This isn't a good day," Ivey said. "Regardless of whether he's an employee or not, these type of allegations, these charges, are very serious. We'll do everything we can to support the victims."

Attorney Rhonda Peoples-Waters, who is not connected to the case, pointed out that sexual battery is a first-degree felony and McClough could face up to 30 years in prison if convicted.

“I would definitely say that he is not going to get any special treatment," Peoples-Waters said. "It certainly will bring to mind the fact that they wanted to send a message to those within their own law enforcement agency -- that we respect you as an officer, but if you break the law, then you will certainly receive the punishment that you should deserve."

Peoples-Waters said the fact the victims and McClough were drinking will likely be brought up if the case goes to trial.

“Alcohol would send a signal that you may not have been clear about what your intentions were, and it certainly would complicate the issue of whether consent was given or not,” Peoples-Waters said.

McClough has no criminal history and only one minor written reprimand from JSO about a year and a half ago.

Neighbors told News4Jax that McClough has a wife and young son and they never knew of any problems with the family.

McClough's arrest was the sixth of a JSO employee this year. Last year, 10 employees were arrested on various charges.


About the Authors:

Lifetime Jacksonville resident anchors the 8 and 9 a.m. weekday newscasts and is part of the News4Jax I-Team.

Kent Justice co-anchors News4Jax's 5 p.m., 10 and 11 p.m. newscasts weeknights and reports on government and politics. He also hosts "This Week in Jacksonville," Channel 4's hot topics and politics public affairs show each Sunday morning at 9 a.m.